An old hacker's tips on staying employed (madned.substack.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's tips on staying employed in the tech industry, highlighting the importance of developing a personal brand, making one's boss happy and afraid, and having a 'do it anyway' principle. The author emphasizes that job security is largely an illusion and that one should focus on being useful and reliable. The article also touches on the idea of 'disagree and commit' and the importance of communication in the workplace. The author's goal is to provide advice on how to improve one's odds of staying employed, rather than guaranteeing job security.

Main themes

• job security
• personal brand
• career development
• communication
• wealth management
• financial planning
• adaptability
• resilience

What commenters say

• Developing a personal brand is crucial for career security and can help individuals stay employed even in uncertain times.
• The idea of job security is often an illusion, and individuals should focus on being adaptable and useful instead.
• Making one's boss happy and afraid can be an effective way to improve job security, but it requires a delicate balance.
• Some individuals disagree with the idea of prioritizing job security, arguing that it can lead to stagnation and a lack of personal freedom.
• Effective communication and the ability to 'disagree and commit' are essential skills for success in the tech industry.
• Wealth management and financial planning are also important considerations for individuals looking to achieve long-term security and freedom.
• Others argue that the pursuit of wealth and material possessions can be a hindrance to true freedom and happiness.
• Ultimately, the key to success and security lies in finding a balance between personal and professional goals, and being adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
• The importance of saving and investing for the future is also emphasized, as a means of achieving financial independence and security.